2020 Bulkers Ltd. has announced a letter of intent to acquire all outstanding shares of AHTS AS. AHTS AS, which began operations in 2026, currently owns seven large Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels and has secured agreements to purchase an additional three. The acquisition also includes an option to acquire five more vessels, potentially expanding the fleet by up to 15 AHTS vessels.
This strategic move is supported by an intended financing package of approximately $485 million. The expansion into the AHTS sector signifies a diversification for 2020 Bulkers, traditionally known for its dry bulk operations. AHTS vessels are crucial for offshore operations, including anchor handling, towing, and supplying offshore platforms.
For freight forwarders and supply chain analysts, this development indicates a potential increase in specialized vessel capacity for offshore projects. While not directly impacting container or general cargo rates, it reflects investment confidence in the offshore energy sector, which can indirectly influence demand for related logistics services. Forwarders involved in project cargo or supporting offshore oil and gas, or increasingly, offshore wind projects, may find more options for heavy-lift and specialized marine transport.
